Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1887-02-25

pomps and vanlres. she occasionally
did so. Do not let the reader demur at
the sense implied by 1.-THE prepara-
tons. 1t was only when carried away
by the excitement of the preparations
that she did so forget; in the enacting
of the ponps and vanities themselves,
When they were before her in all their
glory, and she made one of the be-
dizencd crowd, her nightmare was
then sure TO be upon her; the skeleton
in the closet would. at those festive
times. be exceeding prominent and
bare. Tie reader may be a philOs-
opher. grave old F. R. S., very
learned in searching out cause and eff
feet; | am not; so he Will account for
wants it accounted for.
/ From the discussion of the wedding
programme. the breakfast in the morn
ing and the ball in the evening. Lady
Burnham proceeded to the tire; what
she meant to wear herself. and what
! she recommended to Selma. Selina's
mouth watered; and the carriage
/ stopped at Nine. Damereau Mrs.
Dalrymple's orders there amounted to
ego.
That same evening Mrs. Dalrymple
was dressing for what Sam Weller's
friend called a swarry, when her huS-
band entered the room.
"Selina, here's somebody down.
stairs, asking to see you"
"Who?" rejoined Mrs. Dalrymple.
her pulses quickening; which they were
apt to now at any similar vague an
IA lady. Mrs. Cooper. think
came away. not knowing J. r."
Selma knew that there was a Mrs.
Cooper in the eStahlishm 1T of Nine.
Damereau, partner, ne fancied,
or boOk-keeper. something Of that. She
had Seen her once or twic..; ladylike
woman who had been reduced.
Let Mrs. Cooper come up here"
she said to the maid. Oscar, we don't
want you"
"Thank You for telling me. Selma.
/ was not thinking to remain"
He passed into his dressng-room, as
he spoke. closing the door, and Mrs.
Cooper entered.
Il come from Nine. Damereau,
she began. taking the chair that Selma
pointed to. "She hopes"
For goodness sake speak low" in
terruptcd Mrs. Dalrymplc, in ill-con-
cealed terror. Mr.. Dalrymple only
in the next room, and do not wish
him to hear all my private affairs.
These London walls are thin. She
wants money. l suppose"
"She hopes. madam, that you will
make it convenient to let her have
some," said Mrs. Cooper, sinkin, her
voice to whisper. IA small pc -tion
of the BILL"
81 expect shall soon be able to do
So" replied Mrs. Dalrymple. Just
now. l can not"
''Only few hundred pounds" she
said. THAT is but trifling. compared
with the whole sum, which amounts
now TO-"
'Oh, l know what it amounts to;
can guess it near enough" hastily in
terposed Mrs. Dalrymple. ..In the
course of week or two will see what
can do"
Poor Selma, at her wits end for ex-
cuses. had said, ''in the course of a
week or two," so many times now that
Nine. Damereau had got tired of hear
ing the phrase.
Mrs. Cooper hesitated, not much lik-
in her errand. "She babe me say,
madam, that she was extremely sorry
to cause Inconvenience, but that she
can not execute the order You gave to-
day unless she previously receives some
money"
mot execute it," uttered Selma, with
flashing eyes. "What do you mean by
saying such thing to me?'
Madam. l am but the agent of
Mime. Damereau. l can only speak as
she requires me-"
True" answered Selma, softening;
ait is not your fault. But must have
the things. You will get them for me.
will you not?" she said. in an accent
of entreaty, feeling that she was speak
ins 10 a gentlewoman, although one
who but held situation at milliner's.
"Oh. pray use your influence! get her
to let me have them"
Mrs Cooper stood in distress, for she
was one of those refined spirits who
can hot bear to cause or to witness
| pam. Al ~ uCpCuutu uDOL
deed you should have them," she an
swered. "but l have no influence Of that
nature with Nine. Damcreau. She
is not one to allow the slightest inter-
ference. on my part, between her and
ner ladies; were to attempt it might
lose my place in her house. and be
turned out again to struggle with the
world"
HAS it been harsh world to your"
inquired Selma, pityingly.
"Oh, yes" was Mrs. Cooper's an
swer, "or should not be where am
now. And am thankful to be there"
she hastily added; II would not seem
ungrateful for the mercy that has fol-
lowed me in my misfortunes.
II think misfortunes are the lot of
ALL" spoke Selma. what can do to
induce Nine. Damereau to furnishme
these things?'
perhaps you had better call and see
her yourself, madam" replied Mrs.
Cooper, relapsing into her ostensible
position. Il will try and say word
to her tonight that may prepare her."
II will see her tomorrow. Thank
you" replied Mrs. Dalrymple, ringing
for Mrs. Cooper to be shown out.
Mrs. Dalrymple finished dressing,
and went forth to the evenings gayety
with what spirits she might. On the
following day she proceeded to Nine.
Damereau's, but the interview, al
though Mrs. Cooper had said as much
as she dared. was not productive Of
good. Madame was obstinate and OBJ
durate. Not exactly insolent; she was
never that, to her customers faces;
but she and Mrs. Dalrymple both lost
their temper, and the latter was impo-
lite enough to say some cutting things.
not only in disparagement of madame's
goods. but about the .cheating prices"
she had been charged. Mime. Dame
reau's face turned sea-green, and the
interview ended by her stating that if
some money was not Immediately fur
nished her, she should sue Mr.. Dalrym-
pie for the whole. Selma went away
| ciob OF hoorf. for che rad